No overtime for legislators
Reading the paper the other day, I saw how our governor could save some money. The people working in the capital on the budget sure made a bunch of extra money on overtime. I think if they can't get the job done in the allotted time, they shouldn't get paid overtime. It should be on their own dime.
— James Christenson
Willow
Chitina cant take litter
For the past month, there has been a steady stream of traffic past my home in Kenny Lake down to Chitina. Almost all of these trucks, cars and motor homes contain dipnetters who share a single goal: salmon. I work in Chitina during the summer, spending most of my time at busy O'Brien Creek, and, unfortunately, I have to see what's left behind when everyone heads back home with their salmon: lots and lots of trash.
Getting rid of trash in Chitina is not easy or cheap. All of it must be transported at least 100 miles, which must be paid for by either private businesses or the state. In the flier everyone receives when they get their personal-use fishery permit, state Fish and Game clearly states people are expected to manage their own garbage: "Limited trash disposal sites are available. Please be prepared to pack your garbage home."
The trash cans in the attached photo are provided by the state of Alaska at O'Brien Creek; this amount of trash accumulated in only two days. It is not the state's job to take care of your trash. Trash should not be left if it does not fit within the provided trash cans, and leaving trash next to a full trash can does qualify as littering. Leaving trash in a fire ring is littering. There is, as most of us know, a $1,000 fine for littering. Trash left laying around like this is irresponsible, disrespectful, unhealthy and dangerous (we often have trouble with bears in Chitina getting into the trash). If you brought it in, it is your responsibility to take it back with you.
— Rebekah Donohue
Kenny Lake
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